Question Period Note: North Atlantic Carbon Observatory

North Atlantic Carbon Observatory

I am proud that Canada is a recognized leader in ocean research and that our government continues to invest in ocean observation to track changes to our oceans and climate.

The engagement we have conducted on the Blue Economy Strategy has provided us with recommendations to further advance ocean observation, data collection and world leading scientific research.

Scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada engage with domestic and international partners on ocean science and in particular to explore the links between oceans and climate change.

My department also continues to support the important conversations taking place to develop the concept of ocean carbon observatories in key ocean areas such as the North Atlantic.

• The carbon absorption function of the ocean occurs through a process known as the “Biogeochemical Carbon Pump” (BCP).
• At the May 2021 G7 Climate and Environment Ministers' Meeting, the previous Minister of Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) committed that Canada would host a scientific and technical workshop on the North Atlantic BCP.
• Coinciding with this meeting, the Ocean Frontier Institute put forward a conceptual proposal for the establishment of a North Atlantic Carbon Observatory (NACO), to better quantify and monitor the ongoing role of the North Atlantic Ocean as a carbon sink. They have been subsequently meeting with Ministers and the International community to promote this initiative.
• In December 2021, DFO convened an international scientific workshop with 69 experts from 16 countries, to advance an approach for an integrated ocean carbon program (research, modelling, observation, and monitoring) in the North Atlantic.
• This scientific workshop identified gaps and possible paths forward primarily in the areas of governance, coordination, knowledge, observations, measurement, modeling, communication and technology advancements.
• DFO and ECCC continue to discuss with the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) their concept for a North Atlantic Ocean Carbon Observatory. OFI is currently conducting a gap analysis to further support the development of the concept.
• DFO is now finalizing the report from its North Atlantic Biogeochemical Carbon Pump technical workshop, held in December 2021, which will support further engagement on the concept.
• To that end, Canada will continue to raise awareness and engage interested countries in the development of this initiative.

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